It’s one of the biggest hold ups some buyers have right now: “What if I buy, and home prices go down?”
With everything in the news, that concern makes some sense. No one wants to make a big financial
decision at the wrong time. But here’s what’s important to know. You don’t want to get hung up on the few
places seeing slight declines right now.
When you zoom out and look at the full picture, home prices usually rise over time.
What the Data Really Shows
Take a look at the visual below. It uses data from Case-Shiller and Bilello to show how home prices have
changed year by year going all the way back to the 1950s.
Here’s the key takeaway.
Outside of the housing crash, home prices have either held steady or increased in just about every year
for decades (see visual below):
That’s a remarkably consistent track record. And it shows something a lot of headlines miss.
While short-term shifts can happen, it’s the long-term gains that really matter.
Why Prices Tend To Rise Over Time
There are a few core reasons prices usually go up each year:
There are always people who need to move. People need a place to live, and that
demand will never fully go away. It may ebb and flow, but someone will always have to move
as big changes happen in their life. So, homes stay in demand.
There still aren’t enough homes for sale. While the number of homes for sale has grown,
nationally there’s still an undersupply based on how many people want a home. That keeps
upward pressure on prices.
Inflation has an impact. Over time, the cost of goods (including homes) naturally
increases. That pushes home values higher.
What That Means for You as a Buyer
It’s easy to get caught up in what might happen with home prices next month or next year, especially if
you’re a first-time buyer and you’re feeling a little anxious about making such a big financial commitment.
But the big picture is clear. Prices usually rise.
That doesn’t mean prices will go up every single year in every market. Real estate is local, and there can
be short-term ups and downs. We’re seeing that in some places right now. You can even see it in the few
annual dips in the visual above. But historically, the declines have been temporary.
That’s why it’s generally recommended to buy a home only if you plan to stay for a while – typically at
least five years. That’s normally enough time to see your house grow in value. And, it’s enough so you
can ride out any short-term changes in the market.
Because when you can do that, something powerful happens. Those rising home values grow your net
worth, and by extension, help you build wealth.
The right decision isn’t about timing the market perfectly. It’s about making a move that works for your life
and staying in it long enough to benefit from the bigger trend.
Home prices have a long track record of going up over time. And that’s why buying a home is generally
considered a safe long-term investment.
That certainly doesn’t mean you have to buy now. You should only move when it makes sense, and you
plan to live there for a while.
But if you’re interested, let this reassure you. If you want to talk about what home prices are doing in our
market, your goals, or your timelines, reach out to a local agent.